Choosing Your Ideal Study Programme

So, what do you want to be when you grow up?

We’ve been asked that since we were kids. Of course, the answer change over time. But it seems like from a very early age we’re expected to know what we want to do. Later, the question turns into: What do you want to study? And again, you’re supposed to have the answer. 

But do you actually have to know? Around 18 probably (sometimes even younger) you are already preparing the documents for higher education. So, how do you actually choose the right programme? There is no magic formula, but I will do my best to share my personal experience and what worked for me and some things I’ve heard from friends and classmates - to help you figure it out for yourself.  

Start with yourself

Maybe start with self-assessment but instead of losing points for being bad at maths, for example, only gain points for what you’re good at. 

What excites you? 

Ask yourself: what subjects or topics excite me? What subjects do I naturally enjoy studying? What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?  

I knew straight away that biology or chemistry were definitely not for me. Neither was math. I spent countless days crying over geometry and still never understood it. Art wasn’t even an option. But I loved literature. I took extra classes, we did creative writing, lots of research projects, endless presentations. I also remember my dad always calling me the “mediator” during family arguments. So maybe you should even pay attention to the nicknames parents gave you, when choosing your study, haha. 

What are your strengths?

Am I better at theoretical thinking or more practical, hands-on tasks? Am I good at writing, numbers, design, or public speaking? 

And remember when answering, there is no right or wrong. And you shouldn’t listen to your parents too much. Maybe your parents, with their master’s degrees in engineering, would love for you to follow  their footsteps. But is that what you really want? For me, it simply wasn’t, but one of my brothers will fulfil that dream. You have to listen to yourself. I remember my cousin telling me, when he was choosing to go into graphic design, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Apparently, it’s a famous quote from Confucius. 

What kind of life do you want?

Would you prefer staying close to home or moving abroad? Do you prefer a 9-5 job or a demanding schedule? 

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering studying abroad and that’s such a unique and exciting experience! But it’s also not for everyone and that’s completely okay. Honestly, I didn’t spend much time thinking about that part myself. I don’t regret my choice at all, but I didn’t really realise how much my life would change when I moved abroad. Nobody warned me about the cultural shock or the reverse cultural shock when visiting home again. When studying abroad you also get access to an international labour market and more opportunities. 

So, take some time to really think it through and prepare yourself. 

Do your research

What’s in the programme?  

What does the curriculum actually cover? Is it more theoretical or practical and which suits you better? Do you meet the entry requirements? Do graduates find jobs easily, secure internships, or move on to further study? 

There are two types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands - hogeschool and university. Hanze is a hogeschool, which offers a more hands-on experience. So, if you prefer learning by doing, a hogeschool might be the ideal place for you. 

Many students work to support themselves while studying. The reality is that living on your own is expensive. Below I share how much I spend per month both now compared to my first year when I wasn't working, so you can get an idea. But keep in mind these costs vary per person, and when you add the government subsidies from DUO that students can receive while working, it is definitely possible to support yourself financially. 

Test the waters

See it for yourself 

Can I sign up for a webinar or online open day? Can I come and visit? How can I collect opinions about the university and the city? 

All universities, at least in the Netherlands for sure, offer physical and online Open Days as well as Webinars. When I was wondering if Hanze was the right place for me, I remember signing up for their Webinars where they shared a lot of practical information. What impressed me the most were the student stories and how students shared their own experiences. I tried to find someone who had studied at Hanze or lived in Groningen and eventually found two people who shared their experiences with me. It was a bit different back then because it was post-Covid, but still, I managed to get a feel for it. 

At the time, I didn’t know you could book a private Campus tour or request to speak with a student ambassador that would’ve been so much easier than searching through friends and my dad’s colleagues to see if anyone’s child was studying in the Netherlands. Don’t make your life harder: just email or send a private message to Hanze’s Instagram, and they will assist you. 

And one pro tip: remember that for everything, there will always be people with negative and positive opinions. Don’t let either influence you too much. It very much depends on personal experience and how you handle situations. 

Make your choice

And don’t panic if it’s not perfect 

It might sound very basic, but when I was deciding between universities offering the similar programme, I made a list including different criteria like cost of living, location, social life, campus facilities, international environment/diversity, class size, etc. Write down everything you would like your ‘ideal’ university to have and score them based on that. I was also checking their social media channels, not just the website, because I felt I could find a different type of information there. I remember it was quite time-consuming to gather all this information and make up my mind about what I thought was best. So, take a deep breath and start Googling. 

And always remember: if you don’t choose the right programme the first time, it’s not the end of the world. I understand that different cultures have different views on this topic, but try to adopt the Dutch way of not stressing too much. If you see it’s not for you, consider trying something else. I’m not saying you shouldn’t make an effort or that you should quit at the first obstacle, but it really isn’t the end of the world if your programme isn’t the perfect fit. 

I truly wish you the best in making the right decision for YOU. If you need help, do not hesitate to contact Hanze. Hanze also offers help with your decision making process via the Hanze Student Support. You can ask for a consultation for a more clear perspective what programme to choose based on your ideas.